Frequently
Asked Questions
01. Do I need a passport to go to Costa
Rica?
A valid passport is mandatory to enter Costa Rica.
It should be valid during the following 6 months
from the entry date to Costa Rica.
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02. Do
I need a visa to go to Costa Rica?
Depending on your country of origin you may enter
Costa Rica without a visa. USA, Canada and most
European countries have this privilege.
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03. Can
I enter Costa Rica with a one way ticket?
All visitors must have a round trip ticket as
an entry requirement.
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04. Do I need an international
drivers license to drive in Costa Rica?
You are allowed to drive with your normal drivers
license for three months.
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05.
Can I get married in Costa Rica? What documents
do I need?
Foreigners can get married in Costa Rica. The
documents needed are: - original birth certificate
- affidavit of single status - police record -
valid passport - divorce decree (if applicable)
- These documents need to follow the authentication
procedure before being taken to Costa Rica.
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06.
What is the difference between the rain forest
and the cloud forest?
The main difference is that in the cloud forest
doesn´t rain as much as in the rain forest.
The species of flora and fauna that you might
find differ from one to the other.
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07. Is
the water drinkable in Costa Rica?
The water is potable in most of the country. We
recommend using bottled water, specially in areas
around the coast.
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08.
Is there a train service in Costa Rica?
There is a train tour that goes from San Jose
to Caldera. For information and reservations please
call (506)233-3300 or (506)221-0777.
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09.
What is the currency in Costa Rica?
The Costa Rican currency is called Colon. US dollars
and major credit cards are widely accepted.
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10.
Are credit cards accepted in Costa Rica.
All major credit cards are widely accepted. You
will find ATM machined distributed throughout
the country.
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11.
What kind of inoculations do I have to take to
Costa Rica?
No vaccines are required to enter Costa Rica.
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12.
Do I need an electric adapter for a hair drier?
Outlets are 110 V, with standard US two prong
plugs.
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13.
What documents are required to enter with a pet
to Costa Rica?
Dogs and cats entering Costa Rica must have a
health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian,
endorsed by a veterinarian service (VS) veterinarian.
The examination for the certificate must be conducted
within the two weeks prior to traveling to Costa
Rica. The required vaccinations are: distemper,
hepatitis, lestospirosis, parvovirus and rabies
(for animals 4 months or older.
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14.
How much is he departure tax?
Departure tax is $26, can be paid in US Dollars,
colones or with a credit cards.
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15.
How can I get a working visa?
You must apply for a working visa at the Costarican
Consulate.
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16. How
can I apply for legal residency in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica offers different ways to legalize your
status: -temporary resident -pensioner -Foreigner
government mission For more legal information
contact the Costarican consulate or the Costarican
Residents Association at www.casacanada.net
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17. Are
the national parks wheel chair accessible?
The Poas Volcano National Park is the only one
that offers access for wheel chairs.
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18.
Is there a tour operator offering special tours
for handicapped people?
Kosta Rhoda offers special trips for the handicapped.
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19.
Is there an American Legion in Costa Rica?
There is an American Legion for people who went
to the army. You can also contact The Association
of Residents at (506)233-8068 or at www.casacanada.net
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20.
If I decided to stay longer, can I get a visa
while I am there?
You just have to leave the country for 72 hours,
upon ing to Costa Rica the permit will be renewed
automatically for 90 more days.
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21. What
should I bring when going to the rain forest?
All you need is insect repellent, a rain coat
with a hood and hiking boots.
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22. Are
there domestic airlines that travel within the
country?
You can contact SANSA at ww.flysansa.com (506)221-9414
or Nature Air at www.natureair.net (506) 220-3054.
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23.
What is the sales tax in Costa Rica?
Sales tax is 13%
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24.
What number should I dial in case of emergency?
Dial 911 for immediate assistance.
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25.
Are there English written newspapers?
The Tico Times. www.ticotimes.net (506)258-1558
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26.
Where can I practice white water rafting?
It can be practices at Pacuare, Reventazon, Corobici,
Sarapiqui, Naranjo or Savegre.
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27.
When do you celebrate Carnival?
There is one in San Jose on December 25th,Limon
Carnivals are celebrated in October and Puntarenas
has them from February 21 to March 3rd.
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28. Where
can egg laying turtles be seen?
You can go to Tortuguero National Park in the
Caribbean or to Las Baulas National Park in the
Pacific coast.
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29. Which
are Costa Rica natural boundaries?
- North: Nicaragua - South:Panama - East:Caribbean
Sea - West: Pacific Ocean
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30.
How is Costa Rica politically divided?
Costa Rica is divided into 7 provinces: San Jose,
Heredia, Alajuela, Cartago, Limon, Puntarenas
and Guanacaste.
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